Conn. soldier found dead in Tennessee

From WTNH

Updated 7:55 am, Thursday, March 14, 2013

BERLIN -- A U.S. Army Ranger from Berlin has been found dead in his home in Tennnessee, the second death of a Connecticut soldier in a week.

First Lieut. Christopher Rogan, 24, who had survived a seven month deployment to Afghanistan, was found dead in his Tennessee home, right over the border from Fort Campbell Army Base in Kentucky, where he was stationed.

"We're all devastated from the loss. He's very young," said Michael Rogan, the soldier's uncle. "I figured him to be a general at some point."

"Serving your country, whether abroad or at home, it hits in a town like Berlin. We're a close knit community and really everyone really knows each other, and I think it's very very sad," said veteran John Baccaro.

Gov. Dannel Malloy has ordered all flags in the state to be flown at half staff, for Rogan and for U.S. Army Captain Andrew Pedersen-Kell of Madison , who was killed by an Afghan Police officer on Monday.

Now two Connecticut families prepare to say goodbye to young men who fought for freedom.

"The whole family, his cousins, were all looking up to him and my son's one of them," said Michael Rogan.

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4, released a statement about the deaths of the West Point graduates.

"Today is a sad day for Connecticut and for America. Pedersen-Keel and Rogan made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their nation, and we owe to them a debt of gratitude we will never truly be able to repay. We must never forget the courage and selflessness with which they served or let their deaths be in vain. My heart goes out to the friends and families of these two patriots," Himes said.

Berlin Mayor Adam Salina released a statement saying, "We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Chris Rogan, a graduate of Berlin High School and the West Point Military Academy. He exemplified all of the ideals that we value in Berlin. This is truly a great loss for us all. On behalf of the entire town of Berlin, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Chris."

Rogan's funeral is set for Monday at Porter's Funeral Home in Kensington. He will be buried at West Point.